He accepts that the centre-halfâ€™s future probably lies in the Black Country.

â€śWhen I go into agreements, I donâ€™t go in with the intention of pulling the wool over anyoneâ€™s eyes,â€ť said Freedman.

â€śThere were five or six clubs who wanted to take Craig on loan and I told Steve Clarke that if he sent him to us I would develop him as a young man and as a player â€“ and in that order.

â€śHe is maturing, he is getting game time, and I will hand him back to West Brom better for the experience, I guarantee. Weâ€™re on track to do that. What will happen in the future, weâ€™ll have to wait and see.â€ť